Human Vibration / Meters and Analyzers
Frequently Asked Questions About Human Vibration / Meters and Analyzers
A Hand Arm Vibration Meter is a device used to measure and assess the levels of vibration transmitted to a person's hands and arms when using vibrating tools or equipment. It helps in evaluating the potential risk of hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS) and aids in determining if exposure limits are being exceeded.
A Whole Body Vibration Meter is a device designed to measure and evaluate the levels of vibration experienced by the entire body when sitting or standing on vibrating surfaces or operating vibrating machinery. It assists in assessing the potential health risks associated with prolonged exposure to whole-body vibration.
A Hand Arm Vibration Meter typically consists of an accelerometer sensor that is attached to the hand or arm of a person operating vibrating tools. The sensor measures the accelerations caused by the vibrations and converts it into a vibration magnitude value, usually expressed in meters per second squared (m/s²) or as a vibration exposure value (m/s² A(8)) over a specified period of time. A(8) indicates acceleration exposure over an 8 hour duration.
A Whole Body Vibration Meter typically uses a seat pad and/or a sensor placed at different points on a person's body to measure the vibrations transmitted to the entire body. The sensors detect the accelerations caused by the vibrations and convert them into vibration magnitude values, often expressed as the root mean square (RMS) acceleration in meters per second squared (m/s²) or as a vibration exposure value (m/s² A(8)) over a specific timeframe. A(8) indicates acceleration exposure over an 8 hour duration.
Hand Arm and Whole Body Vibration Meters are used to assess and monitor the level of exposure to vibration in occupational settings. Excessive exposure to vibration can lead to various health issues, including hand-arm vibration syndrome (HAVS), musculoskeletal disorders, circulatory problems, and back pain. These meters help identify potential risks, evaluate compliance with regulations, and implement appropriate control measures.
The regulations and standards related to hand-arm and whole-body vibration vary across different countries. Some widely recognized standards include ISO 5349-1:2001 for hand-arm vibration, ISO 2631-1:1997 for whole-body vibration, and local regulations like European Directive 2002/44/EC in the European Union. It's important to refer to the specific regulations and standards applicable in your region.
The frequency of measurements depends on various factors, including the nature of the task, duration of exposure, and local regulations. Typically, periodic measurements should be taken at regular intervals to ensure ongoing compliance. For example, measurements might be required at the start and end of a work shift or periodically throughout the day for longer-duration tasks.
The recommended exposure limits for hand-arm and whole-body vibration vary depending on the jurisdiction and specific standards. Commonly used exposure limits for hand-arm vibration are expressed in terms of daily exposure limits, such as A(8) value of 5 m/s². Whole-body vibration limits may be specified in terms of daily or weekly exposure limits, typically in the range of 0.5 m/s² to 1.15 m/s² for A(8) values. A(8) indicates acceleration exposure over an 8 hour duration.